Fatigue evaluation of transverse U-bar joint details for accelerated bridge construction

Peng Zhu, Zhongguo John Ma, Qi Cao, Catherine E. French

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

When precast full-depth deck panels and/or decked bulb-Ts (DBTs) are used for accelerated bridge construction, transverse joints exist. In this study, continuous transverse U-bar joint details, which can provide negative moment continuity in multispan bridges, have been investigated. Four full-scale specimens connected by the developed U-bar detail together with the selected closure-pour (CP) materials, overnight cure and seven-day cure, were tested. Static and fatigue tests under tension loading were conducted. The loading demand necessary in the testing was determined based on the maximum forces in the transverse joint from an analytical study. Test results were evaluated based on tension capacity, cracking, and steel strain. Based on these test results, the developed transverse U-bar joint detail is a promising connection system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)191-200
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Bridge Engineering
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • Accelerated bridge construction
  • Crack width
  • Decked bulb-T (DBT)
  • Fatigue
  • Precast deck panel
  • Transverse joint
  • U-bar reinforcement

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